Anti-Bullying and Undermining Campaign

Understanding Oppressive Behaviours

The 2021 NHS Staff Survey for England reported that almost 19% all NHS staff experienced at least one incident harassment, bullying or abuse from their colleagues over the last 12 months[1]. Not only does this have a devastating impact on individuals and the teams within which they work, but it also has serious consequences for patient care. It is also contrary to the professional behaviours outlined in the General Medical Council's Good Medical Practice [2] guidance and the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Practice [3].

Bullying, undermining and abuse also drains limited NHS resources, and is estimated to cost the NHS in England at least £2.3bn [4] a year in sickness absence, employee turnover, productivity and employment relations. Moreover, studies in the US have attributed disruptive behaviour in the perioperative area alone to 67% of adverse events, 71% of medical errors, and 27% of perioperative deaths.[5]

Bullying harms your profession and your patients. #Let’sRemoveIt

In any given year, around a fifth of all NHS staff report that they have been subject to at least one incidence of bullying, undermining and harassment from their colleagues. Bullying affects all parts of the medical and nursing profession with serious consequences not only for those on the receiving end but for the working environment more generally. Even worse, bullying and undermining have a proven detrimental impact on patient outcomes, taking much needed resources and attention away from patient care.

Take Action Against Bullying

Whether you're witnessing or experiencing bullying, it's important to know the steps you can take.

What Can You Do?

RCSEd’s Commitment to Eradicate Bullying in Healthcare Settings

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is committed to eradicating bullying and undermining from the surgical and dental professions. We continue to:

Have a zero tolerance approach to bullying, undermining, producing a series of Professional Standards.
Provide free access to our anti-bullying toolkit, e-module and other supporting materials offered by partner organisations.
Work with partners from across healthcare professions to host events, offer advice and other initiatives, such as the anti-bullying Alliance, aimed at developing practical solutions to address bullying in the medical workplace.
Lead the debate on this issue in the press and on social media.
Develop key performance indicators to determine the effectiveness of interventions and collaborations targeting bullying and undermining.

Anti-Bullying and Undermining Resources

Standards for the Prevention of Bullying and Undermining in the Health Service

Learn the standards expected of Members & Fellows to foster respectful, inclusive workplaces and ensure patient safety across the surgical profession.

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The Facts and the Law

Understand how the law protects healthcare professionals from bullying, harassment and discrimination, and what you can do about it.

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The Literature and the Specialities

Discover key findings from UK and global surveys exposing the prevalence of bullying in surgery and healthcare. Learn how bullying impacts staff wellbeing and patient safety and how the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) and other bodies are responding.

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How Oppressive Behaviour Affects the Team and Patient Care

Explore real-world case studies that demonstrate how bullying, harassment and discriminatory behaviour in healthcare impact team morale, mental health and patient safety. Learn how oppressive environments can compromise patient care.

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Are You Being Bullied?

Understand the signs of bullying and subtle disruptive behaviour within healthcare teams. Learn how to recognise bullying, whether you are experiencing it or witnessing it, and what steps to take to protect yourself and patient safety.

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Is My Behaviour Affecting the Team?

Engage in self-reflection and use a checklist to assess how your behaviour might affect colleagues and patient care.

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How to be Assertive Without Being a Bully

Learn how to lead effectively in surgical settings without being perceived as aggressive. Explore practical guidance for trainers on being assertive, setting clear expectations and providing constructive feedback without undermining or intimidating others.

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Protecting Yourself, Protecting Your Colleagues

Find support and guidance from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) on how to protect yourself from bullying or criticism, maintain your wellbeing and support colleagues.

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Negotiation

Learn negotiation strategies for surgeons to reduce workplace conflict and support patient care. Explore tips adapted from NHS Education for Scotland and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) to build confidence in communication and resolve tensions effectively.

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Resources to Help Change the Culture

Explore resources from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) to help change the culture in surgery. Download posters and presentations, access CPD-accredited training, and explore events and initiatives focused on tackling bullying, promoting professionalism and supporting healthier workplace environments.

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RCSEd Code of Conduct

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, undermining and harassment. We are committed to using our core educational, assessment and audit activities to improve workplace behaviour and culture as well as use our influence to promote systemic change, working where we can in partnership with other organisations who are similarly committed to implementing long term change.

Our Code of Conduct will be shared with every member new and old and they will be asked to automatically sign up to the Code. It will affirm the professional behaviours we expect from our members.